Any sparks on here?

[smokeysmoo]

I'm fitting new wall lights in Chez Smoo, and I was hoping to re-cycle the cabling, (with incorporated switches), off the lights I've taken down.

However, on inspection the cabling on the old lamps is two core like this,

But, when I've opened up the new lights they are wired up like this,

I'm usually pretty confident with such matters, but this has thrown me a little TBH, and as always, better safe than sorry.

So my question is, can I use my existing cabling to wire up these lights? They will be plugged in rather than being hard wired.

Apologies for my descriptions and names if not correct.

 

[Havoc6]

Simple answer is yes you can use the old cable. But no doubt there will be some sparky safety law that will say different. no I'm not a sparky just an above average DIYer. Brown live , blue neutral.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Simple answer is yes you can use the old cable. But no doubt there will be some sparky safety law that will say different. no I'm not a sparky just an above average DIYer.

That's my thoughts too TBH, cheers.

 

[Beebo]

The added earth wire is probably a safety feature because the new lights have a metal outer case.

 

[Spinney]

If the lights have an earth connection wired in (as your 2nd pic shows), you really need a 3-core cable so you can connect that earth to the earth pin in the plug. I wouldn't use the new lights without an earth connection.
(DIYer, not a sparks!)

 

[smokeysmoo]

The added earth wire is probably a safety feature because the new lights have a metal outer case.

That's what sparked, (no pun intended), my doubts TBH.

 

[berty bassett]

would have thought if you have a breaker fuse box your going to be safe - but no sparky

 

[Spinney]

would have thought if you have a breaker fuse box your going to be safe - but no sparky

Possibly, but is it worth the (possible) risk for the sake of buying a new bit of cable?

 

[smokeysmoo]

OK decision made, 3 core cable found in shed, and 2 new in line switches bought from Toolstation.

Let the fettling commence.

 

[subaqua]

you must not use 2 core to feed the lights. your lights need the earth as it will have exposed conductive parts ( the casing is an exposed conductive part as it is part of the installation which is not normally live but can become live under fault conditions)

A breaker (MCB )board won't give any further protection than a Board fitted with a fuse for fault protection. (indirect contact as was).
an RCD protected circuit "might" operate under fault conditions but i wouldn't want to chance it . wise decision in getting 3core cable .

 

[biggs682]

OK decision made, 3 core cable found in shed, and 2 new in line switches bought from Toolstation.

Let the fettling commence.

BANG GOES SHEY SMOO

 

[sidevalve]

you must not use 2 core to feed the lights. your lights need the earth as it will have exposed conductive parts ( the casing is an exposed conductive part as it is part of the installation which is not normally live but can become live under fault conditions)

A breaker (MCB )board won't give any further protection than a Board fitted with a fuse for fault protection. (indirect contact as was).
an RCD protected circuit "might" operate under fault conditions but i wouldn't want to chance it . wise decision in getting 3core cable .

+1 however by "wall lights" do you mean fixed with buried cables or something that is totally portable ?
If you are burying the cable at any point you will need 1.5mm twin and earth for the buried bit, not flex as shown. Just a thought.

 

[Mr Celine]

What subaqua said.

But if you have to ask a question as basic as this are you sure you understand enough about electricity to do the job safely?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Job done, thanks guys

 

[biggs682]

Job done, thanks guys

well done smokey , got some decorating you can do chez biggs if you are nearly finished